CLICK HERE for the Governor's official COMMISSION on AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS website!
WHAT IS THE MISSOURI COMMISSION ON AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS?
In 2008, when SB 768 was signed into law, it formed Missouri's new Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders.
It was one of the recommendations of the Senate Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism, so that there would be an ongoing process for addressing autism issues and government systems reform.
Establishing a state autism commission was Recommendation #1 of the Blue Ribbon Panel's report. Senate Bill 768, which established the ASD Commission, was sponsored by Senator Scott Rupp, who served as chairman of the Missouri Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism.
The group met for the first time on October 22, 2008 in Jefferson City.
During this first meeting, the group reviewed their charge (as outlined in statute) and planned for a sub-committee to review and propose a work plan for the Commission. There was also discussion about an initiative to establish autism diagnostic standards for the state of Missouri.
The second meeting was held on December 12, 2008. DD Director Bernie Simons was elected as acting chair, until after senate confirmation process.
During the May 2008 meeting, the group finalized the committees that will conduct the work of the commission and heard reports from various state agencies. Four committees were formed:
• Education
• Healthcare
• Workforce Development
• Individual and Family Supports
The draft of the state plan was released for public comment and
Background: The ASD Commission is tasked with developing a statewide plan to help Missourians facing the challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Meetings of the ASD Commission are open to the public to attend as observers.
LEGISLATIVE Appointees:
Two state Senators, Two state Representatives (representing both Majority and Minority parties)
GOVERNOR Appointees:
Diagnostician
Director - Special Education Program
Individual w/ ASD 1
Individual w/ASD 2
Private Provider
Primary Care MD
Parent - Adult Child
Institution of Higher Learning 1
County Developmental Disabilities Board
Mental Health Provider
Parent - Child Under 18
Institution of Higher Learning 2
MEMBERS appointed by Department per Statute:
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Department of Health and Senior Services
Department of Higher Education
Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration
Department of Mental Health
Department of Public Safety
Department of Social Services
For details about the ASD Commission or a list of its 24 members, please visit:
Link to Governor's Autism Commission page
Link to OFFICE of AUTISM page
